Lens and sensor positioning system

ABSTRACT

A positioning system is designed to align a lens barrel with a sensor assembly. A first end of a lens barrel includes ridges along an edge. The sensor assembly includes a recessed channel with reciprocal ridges for mating with the ridges of the lens barrel. The sensor assembly also includes a plurality of shim platforms structured, each structured to position a wedge shaped shim, the wedge shaped shim including a flat bottom to slide on the shim platform and raise or lower the lens barrel relative to the reciprocal ridges on which the lens barrel rests.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

This disclosure relates to cameras, and more specifically, topositioning systems for lens and image sensor assemblies.

Description of the Related Art

Within a camera, the lens and the image sensor must be aligned tocapture an image or a video. The lens captures light rays from an objectin front of the camera and focuses the light rays at a single point whenthe object is in focus. The image sensor captures the focused light raysfrom the lens and converts the light rays into an image. When assemblinga camera, accurately aligning the lens and the image sensor along anoptical axis can be difficult to achieve. Accordingly, present lenspositioning configurations lack accuracy and precision for alignment ofthe lens and the image sensor of a camera along an optical axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which willbe more readily apparent from the following detailed description of theinvention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a lens and image sensor positioning system, accordingto one example embodiment.

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate multiple perspective views of a lens barrel,according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate multiple perspective views of an image sensorassembly, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a shim, according to one exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an image sensor assembly,according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lens and image sensorpositioning system, according to one example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures and the following description relate to example embodimentsby way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the followingdiscussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methodsdisclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives thatmay be employed without departing from the principles of what isclaimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted thatwherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used inthe figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figuresdepict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles described herein.

Overview Configuration

In one example embodiment, an image sensor assembly and a lens barrelmay be configured to mate and align along an optical axis. The lensbarrel may be structured as a cylinder and may include a lens securedwithin. The lens barrel may include a first end with a lens opening anda second end with a lens window. The first end of the lens barrelfurther can include one or more notches (generally, notches).

The image sensor assembly may include a housing with a recessed channelto partially enclose an image sensor. Along an outermost portion of therecessed channel may be one or more ridges (generally, ridges)configured to reciprocally mate with the one or more notches of the lensbarrel. Embedded among the ridges may be one or more shim platforms(generally, shim platforms) that are configured to position awedge-shaped shim. The shims allow for fine-tune adjustment of theposition of the lens barrel 102 relative to the image sensor assembly108 when the ridges and notches are mated, helping to provide anaccurate alignment of the lens barrel with the image sensor assemblyalong the optical axis.

Example Lens and Sensor Assembly Configuration

Cameras have several components that work together to allow them tocapture photos and videos. Two components of cameras are the lens andthe image sensor. The lens is the optical element of a camera thatcaptures light rays and focuses the light rays at a single point when asubject in front of the camera is in focus. A camera lens may be acurved piece of glass or plastic, and the curvature of a lens can varyin degree of convexity to provide users with better quality images indifferent settings.

The image sensor captures the focused light rays from the lens andconverts the light rays into an image. To capture a quality photo orvideo, the lens and the image sensor are aligned along an optical axisthat allows the image sensor to capture the focused light rays from thelens. Accurately aligning these two components along the optical axiscan be difficult to achieve due to manufacturing tolerances, lack ofproper equipment, and other various reasons.

Turning now to FIG. 1, it illustrates a lens and image sensorpositioning system, according to one example embodiment. In FIG. 1, alens barrel 102 may include a lens window 101, a lens 104, a lensopening 106, and a plurality of notches 114. The image sensor assembly108 may include a housing 109, a recessed channel 110, an image sensor112, one or more ridges 116 (generally, ridges 116), and a one or moreshim platforms 118 (generally, shim platforms 118).

In the example of embodiment of FIG. 1, the lens barrel 102 mates withthe image sensor assembly 108. This configuration helps to align thelens 104 with the image sensor 112 along an optical axis 100. To matethe lens barrel 102 and the image sensor assembly 108, the lens barrel102 has the notches 114 at a first end that reciprocally mate with theridges 116 of the image sensor assembly. The shim platforms 118 areembedded within the region of the ridges 116 of the image sensorassembly 108. Each shim platform 118 may be configured to hold awedge-shaped shim. The shims allow for fine-tune adjustment of theposition of the lens barrel 102 relative to the image sensor assembly108 when the ridges 116 and the notches 114 are mated. Thisconfiguration helps to provide an accurate alignment between the lensbarrel and the image sensor assembly along the optical axis 100. Theconfiguration of this positioning mechanism is further described below.Once the lens barrel 102 and the image sensor assembly 108 are inalignment, this system can be secured within a camera housing.

In addition, the lens and sensor positioning system can have otherexample embodiments. An example embodiment may include a lens barrelwith a tapered surface at a first portion of the lens barrel and animage sensor assembly with a countersink surface along an outermostportion of the recessed channel, wherein the tapered surface and thecountersink surface are configured to mate. The tapered surface and thecountersink surface can be substantially flat surfaces. Embedded withinthe region of the countersink surface can be the shim platforms that areconfigured to hold the wedge-shaped shims. Alternate example embodimentsmay include alignment mechanisms such as tongue and groove joints, guidepins, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a and 2b , illustrated are multiple perspectiveviews of a lens barrel, according to one example embodiment. Aspreviously described for FIG. 1, the lens barrel 102 may include thelens window 101, the lens 104, the lens opening 106, and the pluralityof notches 114. The lens barrel 102 may be a cylindrical tube that hasthe lens opening 106 at a first end and the lens window 101 at a secondend. The optical axis 100 can extend down the length of the lens barrel102 between the centers of the lens opening 106 and the lens window 101.The lens 104 may be the optical element of the camera and may becomposed of a curved, transparent piece of glass or plastic. The lens104 may be secured within the lens barrel 102 and oriented such that thelens is parallel to the lens opening 106 and the lens window 101. Thelens window 101 allows the light rays from the object in front of thecamera to enter the lens barrel 102 and reach the lens 104.

In some example embodiments, the lens barrel 102 has a ledge machinedalong the inner diameter of the lens barrel that may be configured toposition the lens 104 within the lens barrel. The inner diameter of thelens barrel 102 may be slightly smaller than the diameter of the lens104 such that the lens is secured once positioned. In other embodiments,the lens 104 may be secured by other securing mechanisms, such asadhesives, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable securing mechanisms.The lens barrel 102 also can be configured to secure more than one lens.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 2a and 2b , the plurality of notches114 may be located around the outer surface of the lens barrel 102 andat the furthermost portion of the first end with the lens opening 106.Each notch 114 may be circumferential around the outer surface of thelens barrel 102 and is shaped as a step. The circumference of eachsuccessive notch 114 becomes incrementally smaller as the distance tothe lens opening 106 of the lens barrel decreases. Each notch 114 can beconfigured to reciprocally mate with the ridges 116 of the image sensorassembly 108 and allow the lens barrel 102 to be positioned relative tothe image sensor assembly. In some example embodiments, the lens barrel102 may be configured such that the plurality of notches 114 is locatedalong the length of the lens barrel and comprise a portion of the lengththat does not extend to the end of the lens barrel. In otherembodiments, the notches 114 may not be circumferential and may bepositioned at intervals around the lens opening 106 of the lens barrel102. The configuration of the notches 114 can also vary in shape, giventhat the various configurations reciprocally mate with the ridges 116.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top-down view of an image sensor assembly,according to one example embodiment. As previously described for FIG. 1,the image sensor assembly 108 may include the housing 109, the recessedchannel 110, the image sensor 112, the plurality of ridges 116, and theshim platforms 118. In the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing 109may be cylindrical with a square base. The housing 109 may be composedof solid materials, such as metal or plastic. The recessed channel 110may be a cylindrical pocket within the center of the cylindrical portionof the housing 109 configured to partially enclose the image sensor 112.The optical axis 100 extends through the center of the recessed channel110 and may be orthogonal to the bottom surface of the recessed channel.The image sensor 112 may be secured to the bottom surface of therecessed channel 110, centered along the optical axis 100. The ridges116 begin at the top surface of the housing 109 are circumferentialaround the uppermost portion of the recessed channel 110. Each ridge 116is shaped as a step, such that the circumference of each successiveridge becomes incrementally smaller as the distance to the bottomsurface of the recessed channel decreases. The ridges 116 of the imagesensor assembly 108 are configured to reciprocally mate with the notches114 of the lens barrel 102 and allow the lens barrel to be positionedrelative to the image sensor assembly.

Within the region of the ridges 116 are the shim platforms 118. Eachshim platform 118 may an open space within the ridges 116 that can beconfigured to hold a wedge-shaped shim, such as shim 400 as illustratedin FIG. 4. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the housing 109 has three shimplatforms 118 positioned at intervals around the recessed channel 110,but the number of shim platforms may vary in other embodiments. In theexample embodiment of FIG. 3, an inner portion of the shim platform 118begins at the edge of the recessed channel 110 and an outer portion ofthe shim platform extends into an outer portion of the housing 109. Thebottom surface of the shim platform is a flat, smooth surface thatallows shim 400 to translate towards and away from the center of therecessed channel 110. The depth and shape of each shim platform 118 maybe uniform. In some example embodiments, the shim platforms 118 mayextend from the recessed channel 110 through to the outer surface of thehousing 109. In other example embodiments, the shim platforms 118 may betunnels that extend from the recessed channel 110 through to the outersurface of the housing 109.

FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a shim, according to one exampleembodiment. As previously described for FIG. 3, each shim platform 118is configured to hold a wedge-shaped shim, such as shim 400. Shim 400may be shaped as a wedge with a flat base, wherein the angled plane ofthe wedge is configured similarly to the plurality of ridges 116 on theimage sensor assembly 108, such that the shim comprises multiple stepsthat successively decrease in height. In some example embodiments, theangled plane of the wedge-shaped shim may be a substantially flatsurface. In alternate example embodiments, the angled plane of thewedge-shaped shim may be a textured surface. Specifically, the texturedsurface may have raised portions configured to increase friction,relative to a substantially flat surface, between the shim and the lensbarrel when mated. The textured surface may include, but is not limitedto, a bubble pattern, a grid of raised circles, a pillow-shaped pattern,or any other similar geometry.

The overall height of the shim 400 is substantially similar to theheight of the shim platform 118. This configuration allows the shim 400to reciprocally mate with the plurality of notches 114 of the lensbarrel 102. The flat base of the shim 400 allows the shim to translatealong the flat surface of the shim platform 118. In other embodiments,the shim 400 can vary in height and width, such that the shim isconfigured to be positioned within the shim platform and to mate withthe plurality of notches 114. In some example embodiments, the shim 400may be shaped as a flat wedge without ridges, given that the wedge maybe of an appropriate height to contact the lens barrel 102. The shim 400can be composed of a variety of solid materials, for example, metal,plastic, carbon fiber, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an image sensor assembly,according to one example embodiment. In the example embodiment of FIG.5, the image sensor assembly illustrates the shim 400 positioned on theshim platform 118. The shim 400 can translate towards the inner portionof the shim platform 118 or towards the outer portion of the shimplatform until a desired position is achieved. Specifically, the shims400 may be positioned to raise or lower the lens barrel 102 relative tothe image sensor assembly 108 until the two assemblies are aligned alongthe optical axis 100.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 5, the plurality of shims 400 withinthe shim platforms 118 can be of uniform size. The shim 400 can bepositioned within the shim platform 118 in a variety of ways, such asmanually, with the use of a tool kit, with the use of machinery, orother suitable methods. Once the shim 400 has been positioned within theshim platform 118, the shim may be secured to the shim platform with asecuring mechanism, such as mechanical fasteners, an adhesive thatbackfills the shim platform, or the like. For the example embodiment inwhich the shim platform 118 and the shim 400 are composed of metal, theshim can be secured with solder. In some embodiments, the image sensorassembly 108 may comprise a shim-positioning mechanism within each shimplatform 118. For example, the outer surface of the housing 109 can beconfigured to secure mechanical fasteners, such as a wing nut or thumbscrew, into the back wall of the shim platform 118 such that themechanical fastener extends into the shim platform and adjusts theposition of a shim within the shim platform.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lens and image sensorpositioning system, according to one example embodiment. The lens barrel102 may be positioned such that the first end with the lens opening 106extends into the recessed channel 110. The notches 114 of the lensbarrel 102 reciprocally mate with the ridges 116 of the image sensorassembly 108, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this position, the lensbarrel 102 may be roughly aligned with the image sensor assembly 108along the optical axis 100. The position of each shim 400 is thenadjusted within respective shim platforms 118 to raise or lower the lensbarrel 102 relative to the plurality of ridges 116 on which the lensbarrel rests. Once the lens barrel 102 has been properly aligned withthe image sensor assembly 108 along the optical axis 100, each shim 400is secured within its respective shim platform 118.

Additional Configuration Considerations

Throughout this specification, some embodiments have used the expression“coupled” along with its derivatives. The term “coupled” as used hereinis not necessarily limited to two or more elements being in directphysical or electrical contact. Rather, the term “coupled” may alsoencompass two or more elements are not in direct contact with eachother, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, or arestructured to provide a thermal conduction path between the elements.

Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof,are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus.

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the invention. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in oneembodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarilyall referring to the same embodiment.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skilled in the art willappreciate still additional alternative structural and functionaldesigns for lens and sensor positioning systems as disclosed from theprinciples herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applicationshave been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction andcomponents disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes andvariations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may bemade in the arrangement, operation and details of the method andapparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scopedefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated image sensor and lens assemblycomprising: an image sensor aligned along an optical axis; an imagesensor assembly comprising: a housing comprising a recessed channel topartially enclose the image sensor, a plurality of ridges along anoutermost portion of the recessed channel, and a plurality of shimplatforms embedded among the plurality of ridges within the outermostportion, each shim platform structured to position a wedge-shaped shim,each wedge-shaped shim having a flat bottom to slide along the shimplatform; and a lens barrel having a first portion extending into therecessed channel, each oriented substantially along the optical axis,the first portion having a plurality of notches along an edge configuredfor mating with reciprocal ridges of the recessed channel, the firstportion further comprising a lens opening, the second portion having acamera lens window, the plurality of wedge-shaped shims, when slid alongthe shim platform, raising or lowering the lens barrel relative to thereciprocal ridges on which the lens barrel rests.
 2. The integratedimage sensor and lens assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the pluralityof wedge-shaped shims is substantially flat along an angled planarsurface of the wedge-shaped shim.
 3. The integrated image sensor andlens assembly of claim 1, wherein an angled planar surface of eachwedge-shaped shim is a textured surface.
 4. The integrated image sensorand lens assembly of claim 3, wherein the textured surface comprisesraised portions to increase friction relative to a substantially flatsurface when mated with a second surface.
 5. The integrated image sensorand lens assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofwedge-shaped shims comprise ridges on the angled planar surfaceconfigured to reciprocally mate with the plurality of notches of thelens barrel.
 6. The integrated image sensor and lens assembly of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of shim platforms are positioned atintervals around the recessed channel.
 7. The integrated image sensorand lens assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofwedge-shaped shims are of uniform shape and size.
 8. The integratedimage sensor and lens assembly of claim 1, wherein the lens barrel isconfigured to secure one or more camera lenses.
 9. The integrated imagesensor and lens assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofwedge-shaped shims are secured within respective shim platforms with asecuring mechanism.
 10. The integrated image sensor and lens assembly ofclaim 9, wherein the securing mechanism is solder, adhesives, ormechanical fasteners.
 11. The integrated image sensor and lens assemblyof claim 1, wherein the ridges are shaped as steps and arecircumferential around the recessed channel.
 12. The integrated imagesensor and lens assembly of claim 1, wherein the notches are shaped assteps and are circumferential around the lens opening.
 13. An imagesensor assembly comprising: a lens barrel having a first portionextending into a recessed channel, each oriented substantially along anaxis, the first portion having a plurality of notches; and a housingcomprising the recessed channel having a plurality of ridges along anoutermost portion of the recessed channel, the plurality of ridgesconfigured for mating with the plurality of notches, the housing furthercomprising a plurality of shim platforms embedded among the plurality ofridges, each shim platform having an inner portion and an outer portionand structured to receive a shim, a bottom of each shim furtherstructured to be movable on the shim platform towards an inner portionor outer portion of the shim platform to raise or lower the lens barrelrelative to the ridges on which the lens barrel rests.
 14. The imagesensor assembly of claim 13, wherein the lens barrel is configured tosecure one or more camera lenses.
 15. The image sensor assembly of claim13, wherein the housing is configured to partially enclose an imagesensor.
 16. The image sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein each of theplurality of shim platforms are positioned at intervals around therecessed channel.
 17. The image sensor assembly of claim 13, wherein theshim is wedge-shaped and is positioned within the shim platform suchthat an angled planar surface of the shim tapers down towards therecessed channel.
 18. The image sensor assembly of claim 13, whereineach of the plurality of wedge-shaped shims are secured withinrespective shim platforms with a securing mechanism.
 19. An image sensorassembly comprising: a lens barrel having a first portion extending intoa recessed channel, each oriented substantially along an axis, the firstportion having a tapered end configured to reciprocally mate with acountersink surface; and a housing comprising the recessed channelhaving the countersink surface along an outermost portion of therecessed channel, the housing further comprising a plurality of shimplatforms embedded among the countersink surface, each shim platformhaving an inner portion and an outer portion and structured to receive ashim, a bottom of each shim further structured to be movable on the shimplatform towards an inner portion or outer portion of the shim platformto raise or lower the lens barrel relative to the countersink surface onwhich the lens barrel rests.
 20. The image sensor assembly of claim 19,wherein the lens barrel is configured to secure one or more cameralenses.
 21. The image sensor assembly of claim 19, wherein the housingis configured to partially enclose an image sensor.
 22. The image sensorassembly of claim 19, wherein the shim is wedge-shaped and is positionedwithin the shim platform such that an angled planar surface of the shimtapers down towards the recessed channel.
 23. The image sensor assemblyof claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of wedge-shaped shims aresecured within respective shim platforms with a securing mechanism.